Miniature Load Cell

S-Type load cells are primarily designed for tension and compression, requiring precise vertical alignment to avoid side-loading errors. In contrast, Button load cells (compression only) are highly sensitive to non-parallel surfaces; using a spherical loading button or a hardened surface is critical to ensure the point of contact remains centered, minimizing eccentric load errors.

A permanent zero shift often indicates that the sensor has been subjected to a load exceeding its safe overload limit (typically 150% of capacity), leading to plastic deformation of the strain gauge or the spring element. In washdown environments, it could also signal moisture ingress through a degraded cable seal.

It is not recommended. Most load cells are calibrated to meet their accuracy specifications between 10% and 100% of their rated capacity. Below 10%, the signal-to-noise ratio drops significantly, and environmental factors can introduce errors that exceed the weight of the item being measured.